An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Dec. 21, 2023

What Are My TRICARE Health Care Provider Options?

By TRICARE Communications

Are you looking for a new doctor for yourself or your family? In your search, you may see terms like “TRICARE-authorized provider,” “network provider,” and “non-network provider.” Knowing what these terms mean can help you choose which provider you see.
 
A TRICARE-authorized provider is a provider approved by TRICARE to give health care services to beneficiaries.
 
“Before you get care from a civilian provider, it’s important to make sure the provider is TRICARE-authorized,” said Paul Wuerdeman, TRICARE Health Plan provider networks lead with the Defense Health Agency. “A provider must be TRICARE-authorized for TRICARE to pay any part of your claim.”
 
There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: network providers and non-network providers. Read on to learn about these providers and how to find providers near you.
 

Network providers

A network provider is any TRICARE-authorized provider that has signed an agreement with your regional contractor. Network providers have agreed to follow TRICARE’s policies and procedures. This means that they:
  • Have agreed to the contracted rate as payment in full for covered services
  • Won’t ask you pay amounts above your copayment or cost-share
  • File claims for you
 
Do you live overseas? Network providers overseas also have an agreement with the TRICARE overseas contractor. However, network providers only agree to provide cashless and claimless services to those who have TRICARE Prime Overseas or TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas. If you have TRICARE Select Overseas, you may have to pay up front to get services or file your own claims when you see a network provider.
 

Non-network providers

A non-network provider is a TRICARE-authorized provider that doesn’t have an agreement with TRICARE.
 
There are two types of non-network providers:
  • Participating providers accept the TRICARE-allowable charge as payment in full for covered services. This means you’ll only have to pay your cost-share when you see the provider. You also won’t have to file claims.
  • Non-participating providers are typically the most expensive provider option. That’s because they haven’t agreed to accept the TRICARE-allowable charge. Instead, they can charge up to 15% more than the TRICARE-allowable charge. When you see a non-participating provider, you should expect to pay the provider up front. Then you’ll need to file a claim with TRICARE for reimbursement. Keep in mind that you won’t be reimbursed for your cost-share or any charges above the TRICARE-allowable charge. 
 
You can see non-network providers if you have TRICARE Select, TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, or TRICARE Young Adult Select. If you have TRICARE Prime Remote, you can use non-network providers if network providers aren’t available in your remote location.
 
If you’re enrolled in TRICARE Prime, you may see a non-network provider only if:
  • You decide to use the point-of-service option, or
  • Your regional contractor approves it because no other providers are available
 

How to find TRICARE-authorized providers

To find a network or non-network provider near you, you can use the Find a Doctor tool. You can also go to All Provider Directories.
 
Before you visit a non-network provider, check to see if they accept TRICARE patients. Non-network providers who have accepted TRICARE in the past may not always accept TRICARE.
 

Medicare and TRICARE For Life providers

Do you have TRICARE For Life? As outlined in the TRICARE For Life Handbook, you may get health care services from Medicare participating and Medicare non-participating providers. Go to Medicare.gov to find providers near you.
 
You can also get care from providers who have opted out of Medicare. But keep in mind that you’ll have significant out-of-pocket expenses when you get care from opt-out providers.
 
If you get services for which TRICARE For Life is the primary payer, you must visit TRICARE-authorized providers and facilities. 
 

Avoid unexpected costs

Want to avoid surprise costs? Knowing the type of provider you’re seeing and your plan’s rules for getting care can help. Network providers typically have lower out-of-pocket costs than non-network providers. If you aren’t sure if you’re seeing a network or a non-network provider, ask before you get care.
 
Remember that some services from your provider may require a referral or pre-authorization. This depends on your health plan. Go to Book Appointments to learn how to get care with your plan.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
 
Father and son hold hands while walking down a street

Unlock Your Health by Understanding the TRICARE ...

News
Aug. 26, 2025

Do you have TRICARE Prime? If so, you likely get most of your routine health care from your primary care...
Read More
Image of woman sitting on sofa on laptop. Text reads: "Participants needed for virtual tricare.mil usability study. Learn if you qualify." TRICARE logo

Share Your Thoughts on Tricare.mil in Upcoming U...

News
Aug. 22, 2025

Are you interested in shaping the future of TRICARE’s web presence? The Defense Health Agency Usability Lab is...
Read More
Smiling woman holds a baby.

How TRICARE Covers Breastfeeding Supplies and Se...

News
Aug. 21, 2025

Are you pregnant or did you recently have a baby? TRICARE covers certain breast pumps and supplies and...
Read More
Medical professional looks at dental x-rays

TRICARE Medical vs. Dental Coverage: Understandi...

News
Aug. 19, 2025

When you need care for your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you may have questions about whether you should use your...
Read More
Man in grey shirt speaks to a doctor

Medicare and TRICARE For Life: Finding Providers

News
Aug. 14, 2025

If you have TRICARE For Life, you’ll get health care from Medicare providers. Here’s what you need to know...
Read More
A hand places white flowers on a stone grave

How a Death in the Family May Affect Your TRICAR...

News
Aug. 12, 2025

When a family member passes away, it can feel overwhelming to deal with paperwork on top of the emotional...
Read More
Female teacher leads a group of young students into school

Get Your Child Ready for the New School Year: A ...

News
Aug. 07, 2025

Getting your child’s health care needs taken care of before school starts helps ensure they’re ready to focus...
Read More
Service member pours pills into a pill counter machine

TRICARE Coverage of Weight Loss Medications: Wha...

News
Aug. 05, 2025

Understanding the difference between TRICARE plans and coverage is key to knowing what to expect when filling...
Read More

Aug. 26, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Understanding the TRICARE Prime Referral Process

Do you have TRICARE Prime? If so, you likely get most of your routine health care from your primary care manager. But sometimes, you may need specialty care that your PCM can’t provide. This is when your PCM will give you a referral. In this article, you’ll learn about the TRICARE Prime referral process. We’ll highlight what’s new—and easier—for you and your family members if you’re moving this year.

Aug. 22, 2025

Share Your Thoughts on Tricare.mil in Upcoming Usability Study

Are you interested in shaping the future of TRICARE’s web presence? The Defense Health Agency Usability Lab is looking for participants for a tricare.mil usability study. The DHA Usability Lab will hold several studies to get feedback on the website.

Aug. 21, 2025

How TRICARE Covers Breastfeeding Supplies and Services

Are you pregnant or did you recently have a baby? TRICARE covers certain breast pumps and supplies and breastfeeding counseling at no cost for new mothers.

Aug. 19, 2025

TRICARE Medical vs. Dental Coverage: Understanding Key Differences

When you need care for your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you may have questions about whether you should use your TRICARE medical or dental plan. Knowing when to use your medical or dental coverage helps avoid unnecessary costs or delays in care.

Aug. 14, 2025

Medicare and TRICARE For Life: Finding Providers

If you have TRICARE For Life, you’ll get health care from Medicare providers. Here’s what you need to know about finding different types of Medicare providers.

Aug. 12, 2025

How a Death in the Family May Affect Your TRICARE Coverage

When a family member passes away, it can feel overwhelming to deal with paperwork on top of the emotional burden. This article provides a few steps you should take in the weeks following your family member’s death. Taking these steps can help ensure your coverage continues without interruption.

Aug. 7, 2025

Get Your Child Ready for the New School Year: A TRICARE Parent’s Guide

Getting your child’s health care needs taken care of before school starts helps ensure they’re ready to focus on learning. TRICARE covers the essential services that parents need to check off their back-to-school list.

Aug. 5, 2025

TRICARE Coverage of Weight Loss Medications: What To Know

Understanding the difference between TRICARE plans and coverage is key to knowing what to expect when filling your prescription. There are different rules about how TRICARE covers these drugs based on your plan.

July 31, 2025

TRICARE Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Members: Know Your Options

Are you or your sponsor in the National Guard or Reserve? Your health coverage changes when activating or deactivating. Here’s what you need to know.

July 29, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Check Your TRICARE Information in DEERS Today

When was the last time you looked to see if your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is up to date? If it’s been a while, it’s extremely important to take time and log in to DEERS to review or update your information.